Shots Fired Near White House Forces Immediate Lockdown

(SeaPRwire) –   Journalists were instructed to take cover in the press briefing room following reports of what seemed to be “dozens” of gunshots.

On Saturday evening, gunfire was reported close to the White House, leading Secret Service personnel to evacuate the North Lawn and direct journalists into the press briefing room, as confirmed by media outlets and reporters present.

Selina Wang, an ABC News correspondent, stated that she was filming a video on the North Lawn when the gunfire erupted.

“It appeared to be dozens of gunshots,” Wang posted on X. “We were instructed to run quickly to the press briefing room, where we are currently sheltering.”

Julie Tsirkin, an NBC News correspondent, reported on X that an estimated 20 to 30 shots were heard outside the White House, and Secret Service agents directed individuals on the North Lawn to seek shelter indoors.

“USSS officers, with weapons drawn, instructed us to go inside,” Tsirkin noted, further stating that the White House was “presently under lockdown.”

Official confirmation regarding injuries, arrests, or if the reported shooting endangered the White House complex was not immediately available. Jennifer Jacobs, a CBS News correspondent, indicated that Secret Service agents had seemingly been shot at near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, subsequently returning fire.

Reports indicated that two individuals were hospitalized after the event – the alleged shooter and a potential passerby. The suspect was said to be in critical condition, whereas the second person was described as being in serious condition. No agents sustained injuries, according to reports.

US President Donald Trump was reportedly within the White House during the occurrence. The security lockdown on the White House and its surrounding area was rescinded around 6:45pm local time.

Kash Patel, the FBI Director, stated on X that federal agents were “assisting the Secret Service in their response to gunfire reported near the White House premises.”

This event occurs amidst elevated security worries surrounding the White House. Previously this month, the Secret Service announced that law enforcement had shot a man near the Washington Monument after he fired at officers, leading to a temporary increase in security in that vicinity.